One-way self-aligning torque unit

ABSTRACT

A one-way, self-aligning torque unit well suited for heavy duty on a vertical shaft subject to misalignment with respect to coacting torque applying structure. The unit comprises a one-way torque coupling and an alignment coupling integrated together for mounting on a vertical shaft and providing for compensation for misalignment of the shaft with reference to coating structure which applies torque to the shaft in only one direction through the assembly. Working parts of the alignment coupling and underlying working parts of the torque coupling are continuously bathed in flowing lubricant that descends through a succession of comating working parts all to the end that the unit will operate reliably for many years in locations where access for service is impractical. A reversible cam ring in the unit permits adaption of the unit to transmit torque to the shaft in either direction without structural modification of components of the unit.

United States Patent Inventors Joseph A. Marland;

Charles W. Hill, both of La Grange, Ill. App]. No. 827,400 Filed May 23,1969 Patented Jan. 11, 1972 Marland One-Way Clutch Co., Inc.

La Grange, Ill.

Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 737,965, June 18, 1968, nowabandoned. This application May 23, 1969, Ser. No. 827,400

Assignee ONE-WAY SELF-ALIGNING TORQUE UNIT [56] References Cited UNITEDSTATES PATENTS 2,835,364 5/1958 Picard l92/45 Primary ExaminerGeorge E.A. Halvosa Attorney- Burmeister, Palmatier & Hamby ABSTRACT: A one-way,self-aligning torque unit well suited for heavy duty on a vertical shaftsubject to misalignment with respect to coacting torque applyingstructure. The unit comprises a one-way torque coupling and an alignmentcoupling integrated together for mounting on a vertical shaft andproviding for compensation for misalignment of the shaft with referenceto coating structure which applies torque to the shaft in only onedirection through the assembly. Working parts of the alignment couplingand underlying working parts of the torque coupling are continuouslybathed in flowing lubricant that descends through a succession ofcomating working parts all to the end that the unit will operatereliably for many years in locations where access for service isimpracticali A reversible cam ring in the unit permits adaption of theunit to transmit torque to the shaft in either direction withoutstructural modification of components of the unit.

PAIENHTIJHHEH 3,633,713

SHEET 2 BF 6 Idventors Joseph A.Mar-land CharlES W. THU

, 63M, maid & f rHrornes PATENTEDJANI 1 m2 31533713 SHEET 3 [1F 6Invento rs Joseph A Ma land Charles W. H-[H W,GM& 71W

nqfiornew SHEET 5 UF 6 2142 38 254 Irrve rz to rad l Joseph A.M lCharles w l 5 8W,0M&}luwg *H-Hro megs PATENTED JAN; 1 1972 718.

SHEET a {JP 6 Invenlors JosePh A.Marland Charles w, 91;

ONE-WAY SELF-ALIGNING TORQUE UNIT This application is acontinuation-in-part of copending application Ser. No. 737,965, filedJune 18, 1968, now abancloned.

This invention relates to one-way torque couplings for rotatable shafts,and is concerned particularly with the control and operation by suchcouplings of vertical shafts subject to misalignment and located inenvironments where access for service is impractical.

One-way torque couplings are recognized mechanisms for limiting rotationof a rotatable shaft to one rotational direction, as clearly indicatedby U.S. Pat. No. 2,865,474 by one of the present inventors, Mr. JosephA. Marland, entitled One-Way Automatic Backstops, and by Mr. MarlandsU.S. Pat. No. 3,247,935 entitled One-Way Brake Assembly and Seal MeansTherefor." These patents disclose backstops in which a rotatable shaftis mechanically mounted on the inner race of a one-way coupling, theouter race of the one-way coupling being connected to a stationarystructure by means of a beam extending normally from the axis of theshaft. The beam is affixed at one end to the structure and as the otherend to the outer race of the coupling. The outwardly extending beamrequires substantial lateral space.

One object of the invention is to provide, for applying torque to ashaft in one direction only, a one-way torque unit having a new andimproved construction which minimizes the lateral size of the unit whileat the same time providing an inherent capability for accommodatingmisalignment of the shaft in a manner which does not subject the unit towear or strain with the consequence that an extremely long, troublefreeservice life is obtained.

A further object is to provide a one-way, torque unit of the characterrecited that is especially well adapted for use on a vertical shaft insuchmanner that the unit is supported largely on the vertical shaft withconsequent determination of the axial positions of major components ofthe unit, the unit comprising a one-way coupling adapted for support ona shaft and integrated with an alignment coupling supported on theoneway coupling and functioning at once to sustain the torque reactionof the shaft on the one-way coupling and to accommodate misalignment ofthe shaft.

A further object is to provide a one-way, self-aligning torque unit, asrecited, having an improved construction which enables the unit tooperate dependably in continuous use over a very long service life thatmay extend laterally for decades without repairs or service except forthe supplying of lubricant which may be pumped into the unit.

A further object is to provide a one-way, self-aligning torque unit ofthe character recited having an improved and highly advantageousconstruction which facilitates support of the unit on a vertical shaftwhile at the same time utilizing a cascading flow of oil to a maximizedadvantage in assuring more advantageous lubrication of working partscomating on a plurality of levels in the unit.

Another object is to provide a one-way, self-aligning torque unit asrecited in which concentricity of major components of a one-way torqueapplying mechanism in the unit is maintained in an advantageous manner.

Another object is to provide a one-way, self-aligning torque unit asrecited in which alignment of an annular series of torque transmittingrollers with respect to inner and outer coacting races is maintained toadvantage by a cage joumaled on antifriction bearings.

Another object is to provide a one-way, self-aligning torque unit asrecited which can be adapted, through assembly, without structuralmodification of its component elements to transmit torque to a coactingshaft in either desired direction.

Another object is to provide a one-way, self-aligning torque unit asrecited which can function positively to preclude reverse rotation ofthe shaft while at the same time providing for driving of the shaftthrough the unit in the normal direction of shaft rotation.

Other objects and advantages will appear from the following descriptionof the exemplary embodiments of the invention illustrated in thedrawings in which FIG. I is a vertical sectional view showing in solidlines a one-way torque unit constructed in accordance with the inventionand illustrating in phantom lines a housing to which the unit isanchored and a vertical turbine shaft to which the unit is attached;

FIG. 2 is a transverse sectional view of the unit taken along the line2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view taken with referenceto the line 33 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken alongthe line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken alongthe line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 1 but illustrating amodified embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view on an enlarged scale taken withreference to the line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 7 but showing theinner race reassembled on its support in a reversed position to transmittorque to the shaft in the opposite direction;

FIG. 8A is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scalecorresponding to the lower right-hand portion of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing in solid lines the inner race andits support in exploded relation to each other and illustrating inphantom lines the position of the race when reversed and assembled ontoits support to adapt the unit to transmit torque in the oppositedirection.

Referring now to the drawings, the one-way self-aligning torque unit 8forming the first illustrated embodiment of the invention, FIGS. 1 to 5,functions as a backstop mechanism for preventing reverse rotation of acoacting shaft. The unit 8 is anchored to the cover plate 10 of astationary housing and connected to the upper end of a verticallydisposed shaft 12 of an installation, which is to be controlled by thebackstop. The unit 8 comprises a shaft misalignment coupling 16 whichcouples a oneway torque coupling 14 of the unit to the housing coverplate 10. The shaft 12 may be of any vertical shaft, especially arelatively high speed shaft, mounted on any type of installation.

The one-way torque unit 8 serves as a particularly useful backstopmechanism to prevent reverse rotation of one of a plurality ofcentrifugal pumps utilized to deliver a liquid coolant, such as water,to cool a nuclear reactor. An efficient and reliable backstop mechanismis particularly required for such installations because in the event ofmotor shut down or failure of one of the pumps the hydraulic head ofwater from the other pumps would reverse the rotor of the failing orshut down pump and lead to runaway speeds which could result incentrifugal explosion of the motor or the pump rotor. Such a breakdownleads to hazards of possible radioactive contamination from the nuclearreactor. A backstop mechanism of the type disclosed is rugged andreliable and may be left unattended for many years when used with suchnuclear reactor.

The shaft misalignment coupling 16 allows the components of the one-waytorque coupling 14 to adjust concentrically to a true geometric centerof the vertical pump or motor shaft 12, and such adjustment is attainedwhether the shaft 12 is rotating or is static. The coupling 16 includesan upper or first coupler 17 secured to the cover plate 10, andcomprising a centrally located stub shaft 18 having an upper flange 20secured to the cover plate 10 by bolts 22. A geared hub 24 is keyed tothe stub shaft 18 by a key 25 and has a radial gear 26 comprising anannular series of crowned male gear teeth, 28, FIGS. 1 and 2.

A lower or second coupler 19 is positioned immediately below the firstcoupler 17, and this second coupler is carried by the one-way coupling14. The second coupler 19 comprises a centrally located body shaft 30having a centrally disposed passage 32 and forming an integral componentof the one-way coupling 14 as will presently appear. A geared hub 34 iskeyed to the shaft 30 by a key 36 and has a radial gear 38 having anannular series of crowned gear teeth 40.

A cylindrical coupler sleeve 42 spans and engages the upper and lowercouplers 17, 19. The sleeve 42 has an upper wall part 44 and a lowerwall part 46 which have respectively circular protruding flanges 47 and48 that are joined by a plurality of bolt and nut assemblies 50. Theupper and lower parts 44, 46 have respectively internal annular gears 52and 54, each of which has straight out gear teeth.

The common coupler sleeve 42 is supported on the one-way coupling 14 bythrust member or plate 58 which is secured to and seated in a continuousperipheral groove 60 in the inside wall of the common coupler sleeve 16at the junction of the parts 44 and 46. The thrust plate 58 has acentrally located depending thrust button 62 which bears against asmaller thrust plate 64 mounted in an annular groove 67 on the upper endof the shaft 30. The weight of the coupler sleeve 42 is transferred bythe button 62 to the thrust plate 64 and hence to the shaft 30.

The one-way coupling 14 is coupled to the lower coupler 19 of thealignment coupling 16 through a body portion 66 of the shaft 30 whichextends from the lower coupler 19 to an inner race 70 of the one-waytorque coupling 14. The torque coupling 14 has an outer race 68 whichconcentrically encircles the inner race 70 as shown. Disposed betweenthe inner and outer races 70, 68 is a roller assembly 72.

It will be noted that in the construction described the upper and lowercouplers 17, 19, the common sleeve 42, the shaft 30, and inner race 70are all attached to the stationary cover plate and are stationary. Theouter race 68 and its related mechanism rotate with the shaft 12.

Precise alignment of the inner and outer races 70, 68 is assured by acentering spindle 74 mounted on the outer race 68 and journaled withinthe inner race 70. The centering spindle 74 is coaxially disposedrelative to the inner and outer races 70. 68 and to the shaft 12. Theinner race 70 is mounted on a coaxial bearing 76 which has a layer ofbearing material 78 that journals the spindle 74. A drive plate 80 issecured to the centering spindle 74 by screws 82 and is secured to theouter race 68 by screws 86. The rotatable shaft 12 is secured to thedrive plate 80 by bolts (not shown) which extend through aligned bores90 in the shaft 12 and drive plate, FIG. 1.

When the one-way torque coupling 14 is in free wheeling operation, theshaft 12, drive plate 80, centering spindle 74, and outer race 68 rotateas a unit. The inner race 70 does not rotate. Movement of the alignmentcoupling 16 in the'installation described is limited to working of theparts to accommodate misalignment of the shaft 12.

The inner race 70 has a cammed peripheral surface 96, FIGS. 1 and 3.This peripheral surface of the inner race has a plurality of spacedindentations 98 each of which has a low surface or edge 100 and a highsurface or edge 102.

The roller assembly 72 is mounted on the inner race 70 and includes aplurality of rollers 104 which are movable between the low and highsurfaces 100, 102, the rollers 104 moving toward the low surfaces oredges 100 during free wheeling operation. The rollers 104 move towardthe high surfaces or edges 102 as an incident to incipient reverserotation of the shaft 12 to become wedged between the inner race 70 andouter race 68 to lock the shaft against reverse rotation.

The rollers 104 of the roller assembly 72 are caged between two rings106 and 108 having respectively adjoining support rings 110, 112 securedto the sides thereof away from the rollers. The rings 106 and 110 arefastened together by screws 114, FIG. 5, to form a first ring member andthe rings 108 and 112 are secured together to form a second ring memberof the cage. Adjacent rollers 104 are spaced apart by a spacer member115 disposed between each pair of adjacent rollers, each spacer member115 having conforming concave sides confronting the adjacent rollers andbeing secured on the ring members by pins 116 which extend through thespacer members 115.

The roller assembly 72 is spring biased by a pair of springs 120 and 122on opposite sides of the radial axis of the inner race and extendbetween the rings and 112 and the inner race 70, respectively. Thespring is anchored at one end to ring 110 and at the other end to theinner race 70. in like manner, FIGS. 4 and 5, the other spring 122extends through an elongated slot 125 in the cammed surface 96 in theinner race 70. The slot 125 communicates with a slotted pocket 1250 ofsmaller width in the inner race 70 and one end of the spring 122 issecured to the inner race 70 by a screw 126 which passes through thepocket 125a and engages a tapped bore 129 in the body of the inner race70. The other end of the spring 122 is secured in an arcuate slot 131extending into the ring 112. This end of the spring 122 is secured tothe cage ring 112 by a screw 124 which passes through slot 131 into atapped bore 132 in the ring 1 12. The springs 120, 122 urge the cage inthe direction to move the rollers 104 towards the raised edges 102 ofthe cams and insure early and concurrent engagement of the rollers 104between the inner race 70 and the outer race 68 in response to incipientreverse rotation of the shaft 12.

The roller assembly 72 also includes at least one stop lug 134 disposedin each of the rings 106 and 108, FIG. 4. The stop lug 134 has aninwardly extending portion which extends into slot 142 in the inner race70. Each lug has a tooth portion 148 adapted to abut an adjacent ledge150 on the inner race 70 intervening between the inner and outer edges100, 102 of two adjacent indentations 98 in the inner race. The stoplugs 134 are a part of the rings 106 and 108 and limit the distancewhich the rollers 104 can move toward the inner edges 100 of theindentations 98 to keep the rollers from abutting the inner race 70 atthe raised edges 102 of the adjacent indentations 98 thereby eliminatingfriction.

The cage is also provided with a support ring 136 on the side of theplate 110 away from the rollers 104. The support ring 136 rests on anarcuate shoulder 138 to support the weight of the roller assembly andprevent axial movement.

In addition to the bearing surface formed by the support v ring 136 andshoulder 138, the roller cage is supported by an upper ball bearingassembly 150 and a lower ball bearing assembly 152. As best illustratedin FIG. 5, each ball bearing assembly has an outer raceway 154 which issecured to and seated in a groove 156 formed in one of the end membersof the cage. In particular, the outer raceway 154 of ball bearingassembly 152 is seated in adjoining portions of end ring 108 and plate112. Each of the ball bearing assemblies 150, 152 has an inner raceway158 abutting a cylindrical surface of the inner race 70. A plurality ofball bearings 160 are conventionally caged between the raceways 154 and158 of each bearing assembly. As illustrated, the ball bearing assembly150 is similarly secured between end ring 106, plate 1 l0 and inner race70.

The ball bearing assemblies 150 and 152 maintain the roller cage inradial alignment with the inner race 70. Thus, the ball bearingassemblies 150 and 152 prevent radial misalignment from causing aportion of the rollers 104 to abut the relatively high-speed metallicsurface of the rotating outer race 68 in free wheeling, which wouldcause wobbling. This construction thus leads to prolonged life of theclutch elements in that physical contact is markedly reduced, duringfree wheeling operation, between the relative stationary elongatedrollers 104 and the inner surface of the outer race 68.

An important feature of the one-way torque unit 8 described is thelubrication system which delivers lubricant to the bearing surfaces ofthe alignment coupling 16 and the underlying one-way torque coupling 14.The lubrication system has a source tank or reservoir 170, FIG. 1, fromwhich liquid lubricant is delivered under pressure by a pump 172 into aline 174 and then to a lubricant entry or port 176 in the stub shaft 18of the uppermost coupler 17. Entry 176 communicates with a plurality oftransverse lubricant passageways 178, and a plurality of downwardlyextending outlet ports 180 allow such drops of lubricant to fall ontothe meshing gears 26 and 38 of the alignment coupling 16. The drops ofliquid lubricant fall between the geared hub 24 and the upper part 44 onthe common coupler sleeve 42.

The thrust member plate 58 receives excess lubricant from the relativelystationary gears 26 and 38 which floods the entire region between theupper wall part 44 and the geared hub 24, and overflows the upper end orlip 183 of the wall part 44. A small aperture 184 in the thrust plate 58allows a few drops of the lubricant to fall on the thrust plate 64. Theplate 64 is provided with a protruding ring 185 which retains a pool oflubricant about the thrust button 62. The lubricant overflowing the ring185 flows into the space 186 between the hub gear 34 and the lower part46 of the common coupler sleeve 42. The aperture 184 is sufficientlysmall in its cross-sectional area so that a sufficient body of lubricantis allowed to pool and flood the meshing gears of the upper coupler.

The lubricant moves through space 186 through opening 188 at the bottomof the common coupler sleeve 42 and then pools in a cup-shaped member oroil collector 190. The oil collector 190 receives lubricant overflowingthe lip 183 of the coupler sleeve 42 from the space between the topcoupler hub 24 and the upper common coupler part 44 and flowing throughchannels 191 formed in the flanges 47 and 48 in parallel relation to theaxis of the coupler sleeve 42. The collector 190 has a bottom wall 192,which is normal to the axis of the spindle 30, and a continuouscylindrical sidewall 194 coaxial with the spindle 30 and provided withan inwardly tapering lower end. The lubricant floods the cup-shaped oilcollector 190 and overflows the top edge 196, whereupon it flows downthe wall 194 and drips on the roller assembly 72.

Thereafter the lubricant flows through the roller assembly 72 bygravity, lubricating it and the surfaces of the inner race 70 and outerrace 68, before draining from the outlets 198 and 200 in the drive plate80 and shaft 12, respectively. Such drained lubricant is returned to thereservoir 170 as indicated by dotted line 202, FIG. 1, but it is to beunderstood that an open container below the outlets 200, not shown, mustbe utilized to collect the liquid lubricant since the shaft 12 isrotating at high speed.

The foregoing lubrication system adequately and efficiently lubricatesthe bearing surfaces in the alignment coupling 16, but a furtherlubrication system is provided for delivering lubricant to the one-waytorque coupling 14 and to the bearing surface of the spindle 74 toassure adequate and efficient lubrication thereof.

A conduit, such as a flexible metal conduit 204, is connected at oneend, through coupler means, to outlet 206 of one of the transversepassageways 178. The other end of the conduit 204 is connected, throughother coupler means, to an inlet 208 disposed in the body member 66. Theinlet 208 communicates with a circular cavity 210 defined by the bodymember 66 and the confronting surface of the bearing member 76. Thecircular cavity 210 communicates with a plurality of dependingpassageways 209 in the body member, and also communicates with aplurality of upper transverse bearing passageways 211.

Lubricant flowing from the passageways 211 lubricates the surfacebetween the spindle 74 and the layer of bearing material 78. A verticalpassageway 213 communicates with a central circular cavity 215 whichextends through the layer 78 of bearing material and into the body 66,and the passageway 213 communicates with a cavity 212 on the tope sideof the spindle 74. The cavity 212 and passage 32 fill with oil due tothe oil pressure between the spindle 74 and the layer 78 of bearingmaterial, thus applying pressure against the upper surface of thespindle 74 and assuring a thick oil film between the bearing surfaces,the spindle 74 and the layer 78. A plurality of lower transversepassageways 217 extend between the vertical passageways 209 and thespindle 74 to convey lubricant from the vertical passageways 209 to therotating bearing sur' face of centering spindle 74. Passageways 209 alsocommunicate with inset vertical passageways 216 to allow lubricant tocontact the horizontal surface 229 of the centering spindle 74, whichsurface must be adequately lubricated since it supports the weight ofthe inner race 70, roller assembly 72, and lower coupler assembly 19.The vertical passageways 209 also communicate with lateral passageways218 which extend to the upper end of the roller cage to convey lubricantto the roller assembly 72. Lubricant flows downward over the rollerassembly 72 and collects in a circular recess 220 disposed about thespindle 74, which also receives lubricant from the bearing surfacesbetween the spindle 74 and layer 78 of bearing material therebymaintaining a pool of lubricant for the horizontal bearing surfacesbetween these elements. The excess lubricant flows out of drain outlets200.

It is to be noted that a plurality of vent apertures 222 are disposed inthe lower wall member 46 of the alignment coupling 16. These ventapertures are to prevent a static air pressure from developing withinthe lower sleeve member 46 which would prevent flooding of the gears 38and 40 with lubricant.

With reference to the modified embodiment of the invention illustratedin FIGS. 6 through 9, component elements which are counterparts of theunit 8 described are identified with the same reference numbers with theaddition of the suffixa.

The integrated one-way torque unit 81: forming the modified embodimentof the invention referred to is so constructed that it can be readilyadapted through selective assembly of its components, without structuralmodification of its parts, to transmit torque to the coacting verticalshaft 12a in either direction that is preselected.

In the construction of the unit 8a, the inner race a of the one-waytorque coupling 14a is fabricated as an independent annular part, asshown in FIGS. 6 through 9, separate from the coupler 19a that is acommon integral component of both the one-way torque coupling 14a andthe alignment coupling 16a.

The outer periphery of the separately formed inner race 70a, which has agenerally cylindrical annular shape over all, is fashioned, between itsopposite ends, to define a cammed peripheral surface 96a shapedsimilarly to the cammed peripheral surface 96 on the inner race 70 ofthe previously described unit 8.

The lower end of the bottom portion 660 of the common coupler element19a is externally shaped to define a cylindrical race support 230dimensioned to fit into a cylindrical axial bore 232 defined within theseparately formed race 70a.

At its opposite ends, FIGS. 1 and 9, the separately formed race 70a isshaped outwardly of the cammed peripheral surface 96 to define twonarrow grooves 234, 236 opening outwardly to receive selectively aretaining ring 238 for supporting the roller assembly 72a, as will bepresently described.

The annular race 70a is designed to be turned end for end and fittedonto the cylindrical support 230 on the coupler part 66a so that eitherend of the race 70a abuts against an annular shoulder 240 formed on thecoupler part 660 at the alignment coupling end of the cylindricalsupport element 230.

The race 70a is precluded from turning on its cylindrical support 230 byone or more axial keys 242 fitted into aligned keyways 244, 246 formedin the inner periphery of the race 70a and the outer periphery of thecylindrical support 230 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9. The upper endof the assembled race 70a is held in engagement with the annularabutment 240 on the coupler part 66a by a radial annular extension 248on the lower end of the sleeve bearing 76a that fits within the lowerportion of the part 66a and journals the spindle 74a. The sleeve bearing76a is moved into place in the lower end of the part 66a and secured inplace by small screws 250 which extend through the marginal edge of theradial annular extension 248 on the sleeve bearing and are threadedaxially into the lower end of the cylindrical support part 230 for theinner race 700 as shown in FIG. 6. The annular bearing extension 248 issufiiciently large in diameter to radially overlap the lower end of therace 70a and hold the race and its driving key or keys 242 against axialdislodgement from their normal positions.

It may be noted here that the radial annular extension 248 on the sleevebearing 76a is covered on its lower side with the layer of bearingmaterial 78a and rest slidably on the generally flat annular bearingface 229a on the spindle 74 to support the common coupler 19a in themanner described previously in relation to the torque unit 8.

It will be noted with reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 that the slopingroller support surfaces of the indentations 98a forming the cammedperiphery 96a all have a common circumferential orientation in that suchsurfaces slope outward in the same circular direction as will be evidentfrom the previous description of the unit 8. Moreover, it will beappreciated that the direction of orientation of the slope of the rollersupport surfaces of the indentations 98a determines the direction inwhich the unit will transmit torque to the coacting shaft 12a andconversely the rotary direction in which the unit will sustain, throughthe integrated couplings 14a and 16a, a torque reaction from the shaft12a.

In the unit 8a, provision is made by means of the construction describedfor adapting the unit to transmit torque to the shaft 12 in eitherdirection, which can be predetermined as desired by selectiveorientation of the race 70a as it is assembled onto its generallycylindrical support 230. By turning the race 70a end for end between afirst position illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 9 and a secondposition illustrated in phantom in FIG. 9 and assembling the race ineither one position or the other, the roller engaging surfaces of theindentations 98 may have either the orientation illustrated in FIG. 7 orthe orientation illustrated in FIG. 8 with the consequence that theshaft 120 can be allowed to rotate freely in the particular directiondesired and the unit 8a will function accordingly to sustain a torquereaction of the shaft 12a on the unit in the corresponding reversedirection.

As illustrated best in FIG. 8a, the cage assembly 72a is supported by aring 250 having a vertical leg 252 directly supporting the cage assembly72a and joining at its lower edge a thicker leg 254 extending radiallyinward into overlapping relation to the outer race 256 of a ball bearing258 that is supported by the previously mentioned retaining ring 238releasably fitted into the lower ring support groove 234.

In the event the inner race 70a is assembled in its inverted position toprovide for free rotation of the shaft 12a in the opposite direction,the cage assembly 720 is supported in the same manner, the support ring238 being lodged in this instance in the ring groove 236, FIG. 6, in theopposite end of the race 70a.

Continuous and adequate lubrication of the cage assembly 72a andcoacting working surfaces on the outer race 68a and inner race 70a isassured for either of the two preselected assembly positions of theinner race 70a by means of one or more continuously fed lubricantdischarging fountains 260 positioned as illustrated in FIG. 6 to pourlubricant through the annular space between the upper ends of the innerand outer races 70a, 68a onto the cage assembly 720.

The fountain 260 is supported in a radial lubricant supply bore 262extending radially through the annular wall of the common coupler part66a into the annular chamber 210 that is continuously supplied withincoming lubricant through the bore 208a connected with a lubricantsupply fitting 262 which also supplies lubricant to the supply line204a.

The torque unit 80 not only functions to preclude reverse rotation ofthe shaft 120 in either direction as preselected by the orientation ofthe inner race 700 within the unit, but also provides for power drivingof the shaft 12a through the unit 8a as this may be desirable. Thetransmission of torque through the unit 8a either to drive the shaft 12aor to effect driving by the shaft of structure located at the oppositeend of the unit is provided by extending the spindle 74a upwardlythrough the center of the unit to connect, as shown in FIG. 6, with adrive coupling 264 that connects as illustrated with an auxiliary driveshaft 266.

The spindle 74, elongated to extend upwardly through the unit 80 asdescribed, passes through the central passage 32a in the common coupler19a, which is enlarged to provide clearance around the spindle 74a, andcontinues upwardly through an axial passage 268 formed centrally withinthe upper coupler 17a, the end of the spindle 74 connecting with thedrive coupling 264 above the coupler as shown.

Clearance between the upper coupler 17a and the lower coupler 19a foraccommodation of the extended spindle 74a is provided by assemblingbetween the upper and lower components 44a, 46a of the upper couplingsleeve 42a an annular ring 270 widely spaced radially from the spindle74a.

In the unit 8a, the upper coupling sleeve 42a is supported on the oilcollector 190a by means of a resilient ring 272 positioned between thelower edge of the sleeve 42a and the bottom wall 192a of the oilcollector. In this instance, the oil collector bottom wall 192a isenlarged radially somewhat beyond the sleeve 42a and the cylindricalsidewall 1940 of the collector is extended upwardly substantially to aflush reiation to the upper end of the sleeve 42a with the consequencethat lubricant cascading downwardly from the supply ports a enters thespace between the sleeve 42a and the working parts of the upper coupling16a which operate in a continuously refreshed lubricant bath maintainedaround the working parts of the upper coupling 16a by virtue of thecapability of the upwardly extended oil collector a to contain oil up tothe upper level of the working parts in the upper coupling.

The invention is claimed as follows:

1. A one-way, self-aligning torque unit comprising, in combination, anupper coupler member designed to sustain a torque reaction, an upperexternal gear on said upper coupler member, a lower coupler memberdisposed below said upper coupler member in generally coaxial relationthereto, a lower external gear on said lower coupler member, a sleeveencircling said upper and lower gears in axially spanning relationthereto and defining an internal upper gear and an internal lower gearmeshing respectively with said upper and lower external gears totransmit torque therebetween while permitting movement of said lowerexternal gear and said lower coupler member in relation to said uppercoupler member to accommodate misalignment; a one-way torque coupling,inner race of annular form defining a circumferential series of rollersupport surfaces sloping outwardly in a common circumferentialdirection; said lower coupler member including means for supporting saidannular race thereon in generally coaxial relation to said gears ineither of two mounting positions, which positions are turned end for endin relation to each other so that the common slope of said rollersupporting surfaces is selectively oriented circumferentially in eitherof two circumferential directions; a roller cage assembly encirclingsaid inner race and including an annular series of rollers disposedaround said inner race in confronting alignment with said respectivesurfaces, an outer race encircling said rollers,

spring biasing means coacting with said cage assembly to urge saidrollers into wedging relation between said outer race and said rollersupport surfaces to transmit torque therebetween in only one directionpredetermined by the selected orientation in which said inner race isassembled onto said lower coupler member thereby precluding relativerotation of said races in said one direction while continuouslypermitting relative rotation of the races in the opposite direction, anantifriction bearing at the lower end of said inner race engaging saidcage assembly to support the latter, means on each end of said innerrace for supporting said antifriction bearing for either assembledposition of said inner race on said lower coupler member, a spindlesecured to said outer race for rotation therewith and extending upwardlyaxially through said lower coupler member and said upper coupler member,means forming a driving connection with the upper end of said spindle,an annular bearing mounted in said lower coupler member and journalingsaid spindle to maintain said outer race in concentric alignment withsaid inner race, and connecting means connected with said outer race forconnecting the latter to a rotary part.

2. A one-way, selfvaligning torque unit comprising, in combination, anupper coupler member designed to sustain a torque reaction, an upperexternal gear on said upper coupler member, a lower coupler memberdisposed below said upper coupler member in generally coaxial relationthereto, a lower external gear on said lower coupler member, a sleeveencircling said upper and lower gears in axially spanning relationthereto and defining an internal upper gear and an internal lower gearmeshing respectively with said upper and lower external gears totransmit torque therebetween while permitting movement of said lowerexternal gear and said lower coupler member in relation to said uppercoupler member to accommodate misalignment; a one-way torque coupling,inner race of annular form defining a circumferential series of rollersupport surfaces sloping outwardly in a common circumferentialdirection, said lower coupler member including means supporting saidannular race thereon in generally coaxial relation to said gears, aroller cage assembly encircling said inner race and including an annularseries of rollers disposed around said inner race in confrontingalignment with said respective surfaces, an outer race encircling saidrollers, spring biasing means coacting with said cage assembly to urgesaid rollers into wedging relation between said outer race and saidroller support surfaces to transmit torque therebetween in only onedirection thereby precluding relative rotation of said races in said onedirection while continuously permitting relative rotation of the racesin the opposite direction, an antifriction bearing at the lower end ofsaid inner race engaging said cage assembly to support the latter, meanson each end of said inner race for supporting said antifriction bearing,a spindle secured to said outer race for rotation therewith andextending upwardly axially through said lower coupler member and saidupper coupler member, means forming a driving connection with the upperend of said spindle, an annular bearing mounted in said lower couplermember and journaling said spindle to maintain said outer race inconcentric alignment with said inner race, and connecting meansconnected with said outer race for connecting the latter to a rotarypart.

3. A one-way, self-aligning torque unit comprising, in combination, anupper coupler member designed to sustain a torque reaction, an upperexternal gear on said upper coupler member, a lower coupler memberdisposed below said upper coupler member in generally coaxial relationthereto, a lower external gear on said lower coupler member, a sleeveencircling said upper and lower gears in axially spanning relationthereto and defining an internal upper gear and an internal lower gearmeshing respectively with said upper and lower external gears totransmit torque therebetween while permitting movement of said lowerexternal gear and said lower coupler member in relation to said uppercoupler member to accommodate misalignment; a one-way torque coupling,inner race of annular form defining a circumferential series of rollersupport surfaces sloping outwardly in a common circumferentialdirection; said lower coupler member including means for supporting saidannular race thereon in generally coaxial relation to said gears ineither of two mounting positions, which positions are turned end for endin relation to each other so that the common slope of said rollersupporting surfaces is selectively oriented circumferentially in eitherof two circumferential directions; a roller cage assembly encirclingsaid inner race and including an annular series of rollers disposedaround said inner race in confronting alignment with said respectivesurfaces, an outer race encircling said rollers, spring biasing meanscoacting with said cage assembly to urge said rollers into wedgingrelation between said outer race and said roller support surfaces totransmit torque therebetween in only one direction predetermined by theselected orientation in which said inner race is assembled onto saidlower coupler member thereby precluding relative rotation of said racesin said one direction while continuously permitting relative rotation ofthe races in the opposite direction, a spindle secured to said outerrace for rotation therewith and extending upwardly axially through saidlower coupler member and said upper coupler member, means forming adriving connection with the upper end of said s indle, an annularbearing mounted in said lower coupler mem er and journaling said spindleto maintain said outer race in concentric alignment with said innerrace, and connecting means connected with said outer race for connectingthe latter to a rotary part.

'zgz g UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No.3,633,713 Dated January 11, 1972 I v Joseph A. Marland and Charles W.Hill It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patentand that said Letters .Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Abstract, line 7, change "coating" to -coac1 :ing-

Col. 1, line 22, after "and" change "as" to at- Col. 1, line 47', change"laterally" to -literally- Col. 5, line 66, change "tope" to --,top'-Signed and sealed this 28th day of November 1972.

- (SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHE3R,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissionerof Patents

1. A one-way, self-aligning torque unit comprising, in combination, anupper coupler member designed to sustain a torque reaction, an upperexternal gear on said upper coupler member, a lower coupler memberdisposed below said upper coupler member in generally coaxial relationthereto, a lower external gear on said lower coupler member, a sleeveencircling said upper and lower gears in axially spanning relationthereto and defining an internal upper gear and an internal lower gearmeshing respectively with said upper and lower external gears totransmit torque therebetween while permitting movement of said lowerexternal gear and said lower coupler member in relation to said uppercoupler member to accommodate misalignment; a one-way torque coupling,inner race of annular form defining a circumferential series of rollersupport surfaces sloping outwardly in a common circumferentialdirection; said lower coupler member including means for supporting saidannular race thereon in generally coaxial relation to said gears ineither of two mounting positions, which positions are turned end for endin relation to each other so that the common slope of said rollersupporting surfaces is selectively oriented circumferentially in eitherof two circumferential directions; a roller cage assembly encirclingsaid inner race and including an annular series of rollers disposedaround said inner race in confronting alignment with said respectivesurfaces, an outer race encircling said rollers, spring biasing meanscoacting with said cage assembly to urge said rollers into wedgingrelation between said outer race and said roller support surfaces totransmit torque therebetween in only one direction predetermined by theselected orientation in which said inner race is assembled onto saidlower coupler member thereby precluding relative rotation of said racesin said one direction while continuously permitting relative rotation ofthe races in the opposite direction, an antifriction bearing at thelower end of said inner race engaging said cage assembly to support thelatter, means on each end of said inner race for supporting saidantifriction bearing for either assembled position of said inner race onsaid lower coupler member, a spindle secured to said outer race forrotation therewith and extending upwardly axially through said lowercoupler member and said upper coupler member, means forming a drivingconnection with the upper end of said spindle, an annular bearingmounted in said lower coupler member and journaling said spindle tomaintain said outer race in concentric alignment with said inner race,and connecting means connected with said outer race for connecting thelatter to a rotary part.
 2. A one-way, self-aligning torque unitcomprising, in combination, an upper coupler member designed to sustaina torque reaction, an upper external gear on said upper coupler member,a lower coupler membEr disposed below said upper coupler member ingenerally coaxial relation thereto, a lower external gear on said lowercoupler member, a sleeve encircling said upper and lower gears inaxially spanning relation thereto and defining an internal upper gearand an internal lower gear meshing respectively with said upper andlower external gears to transmit torque therebetween while permittingmovement of said lower external gear and said lower coupler member inrelation to said upper coupler member to accommodate misalignment; aone-way torque coupling, inner race of annular form defining acircumferential series of roller support surfaces sloping outwardly in acommon circumferential direction, said lower coupler member includingmeans supporting said annular race thereon in generally coaxial relationto said gears, a roller cage assembly encircling said inner race andincluding an annular series of rollers disposed around said inner racein confronting alignment with said respective surfaces, an outer raceencircling said rollers, spring biasing means coacting with said cageassembly to urge said rollers into wedging relation between said outerrace and said roller support surfaces to transmit torque therebetween inonly one direction thereby precluding relative rotation of said races insaid one direction while continuously permitting relative rotation ofthe races in the opposite direction, an antifriction bearing at thelower end of said inner race engaging said cage assembly to support thelatter, means on each end of said inner race for supporting saidantifriction bearing, a spindle secured to said outer race for rotationtherewith and extending upwardly axially through said lower couplermember and said upper coupler member, means forming a driving connectionwith the upper end of said spindle, an annular bearing mounted in saidlower coupler member and journaling said spindle to maintain said outerrace in concentric alignment with said inner race, and connecting meansconnected with said outer race for connecting the latter to a rotarypart.
 3. A one-way, self-aligning torque unit comprising, incombination, an upper coupler member designed to sustain a torquereaction, an upper external gear on said upper coupler member, a lowercoupler member disposed below said upper coupler member in generallycoaxial relation thereto, a lower external gear on said lower couplermember, a sleeve encircling said upper and lower gears in axiallyspanning relation thereto and defining an internal upper gear and aninternal lower gear meshing respectively with said upper and lowerexternal gears to transmit torque therebetween while permitting movementof said lower external gear and said lower coupler member in relation tosaid upper coupler member to accommodate misalignment; a one-way torquecoupling, inner race of annular form defining a circumferential seriesof roller support surfaces sloping outwardly in a common circumferentialdirection; said lower coupler member including means for supporting saidannular race thereon in generally coaxial relation to said gears ineither of two mounting positions, which positions are turned end for endin relation to each other so that the common slope of said rollersupporting surfaces is selectively oriented circumferentially in eitherof two circumferential directions; a roller cage assembly encirclingsaid inner race and including an annular series of rollers disposedaround said inner race in confronting alignment with said respectivesurfaces, an outer race encircling said rollers, spring biasing meanscoacting with said cage assembly to urge said rollers into wedgingrelation between said outer race and said roller support surfaces totransmit torque therebetween in only one direction predetermined by theselected orientation in which said inner race is assembled onto saidlower coupler member thereby precluding relative rotation of said racesin said one direction while continuously permitting relative rotation ofthe races in thE opposite direction, a spindle secured to said outerrace for rotation therewith and extending upwardly axially through saidlower coupler member and said upper coupler member, means forming adriving connection with the upper end of said spindle, an annularbearing mounted in said lower coupler member and journaling said spindleto maintain said outer race in concentric alignment with said innerrace, and connecting means connected with said outer race for connectingthe latter to a rotary part.